In commemoration of the 128th Anniversary of Independence of the Republic of the Philippines this June 12, 2026, the Colombo Plan Staff College (CPSC) proudly joins the nation in honoring this significant milestone in its history.

As an international organization that is privileged to be hosted by the Philippines, CPSC expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government and people of the Philippines for their longstanding support, friendship, and hospitality. The Staff College remains deeply grateful for the strong partnership that has enabled it to advance its mission of promoting excellence and innovation in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) throughout the region.

May this celebration of independence reaffirm the shared values of freedom, dignity, cooperation, and hope, and inspire the continued advancement of the Philippines as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and progress for generations to come.

Brief History

Photo of the Painting of Fernando Amorsolo titled “The Making of The Philippine Flag”

Born from decades of revolutionary struggle, the first proclamation of Philippine independence was declared in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898. The declaration paved the way for the establishment of the Philippine Revolutionary Government, with General Emilio Aguinaldo as its first President under the 1899 Malolos Constitution. Emblematic of this newfound sovereignty, the Philippine flag, sewn by Marcela Agoncillo in Hong Kong in 1898, gave a powerful representation of the nation's independence through its distinctive and symbolic blue, red, and yellow colors.

Eventually, the commemoration of Independence Day was amended to Republic Day after the United States formally acknowledged the establishment of the Philippine Republic on July 4, 1946, as pledged through the Jones Law in 1916 and the Tydings-McDuffie Act of 1934, respectively. However, the commemoration was reinstated to June 12 in observance of Presidential Proclamation No. 28, Series 1962, issued by former President Diosdado Macapagal. Later, Republic Act No. 4166 was enacted to recognize both the Independence Day (June 12) and Republic Day (July 4) as separate and distinct declarations for the country.

2026 Celebrations

The 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood concluded with Panagriing: A Nation Still Rising, a conference held at the Ayala Museum in Makati City on May 25–26, 2026, marking the culmination of the multi-year commemoration under the theme “Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan.” Source: National Historical Commission of the Philippines

Concluding the 125th Anniversary of Philippine Independence and Nationhood, the theme from 2023 to 2026 ("Kalayaan. Kinabukasan. Kasaysayan”) focused on the freedom that the nation's forebears struggled for, the future they envisioned for the country, and the history that the present generation seeks to remember and honor. The commemoration formally closed with Panagriing: A Nation Still Rising, during a conference held at the Ayala Museum in Makati City on May 25–26, 2026, in partnership with the Ayala Foundation and the member-affiliates of the Local Historical Committees Network.

The principal ceremonies on June 12, 2026 are simultaneously held at Rizal Park (Luneta) in Manila and at the Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite. Official activities included flag-raising ceremonies, wreath-laying at national hero monuments, a 21-gun salute, military and civic parades, and a presidential address. The flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony at the Rizal Monument are followed by military and civic parades showcasing the assets and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). Cultural performances, historical exhibitions, and government service fairs rounded out the day’s program at Burnham Green and the Quirino Grandstand.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also announced extensive road closures around Rizal Park and heightened security and logistical preparations for the national event, expected to draw government officials, military personnel, and members of the public in large numbers.

Source: DOTr MRT-3

In a tradition of civic generosity, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) extended free and discounted rail travel to the commuting public on June 12, 2026. The Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) also offered free rides from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., with a general 50% fare discount in effect during off-peak hours. The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) extended the same 50% fare discount through the holiday.

Source: Manila Marathon

Adding a vibrant athletic dimension to the day's festivities, the Manila Marathon 2026 is also being held, which drew approximately 25,000 runners along the northbound and southbound lanes of the EDSA Busway from SM Mall of Asia to SM North EDSA.

References

  • Awareness Days. (2026). Philippines – Independence Day 2026. Retrieved from https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/philippines-independence-day/
  • Manila Times. (2026, May 30). 125th anniversary of Philippine independence closes with academic conference. Retrieved from https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/05/30/tmt-newswire/125th-anniversary-of-philippine-independence-closes-with-academic-conference/2354448
  • National Historical Commission of the Philippines. (n.d.). 125th anniversary of Philippine independence and nationhood: eMaterial. Retrieved from https://nhcp.gov.ph/ematerial/
  • Philippine Star. (2026, June 4). MMDA closing roads for June 12 rites. Retrieved from https://www.philstar.com/nation/2026/06/04/2532659/mmda-closing-roads-june-12-rites
  • Proclamation No. 28, s. 1962. (1962). Official Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1962/05/12/proclamation-no-28-s-1962/
  • Top Gear Philippines. (2026, June 8). Heads-up: MRT-3 will offer free rides on June 12, 2026. Retrieved from https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/mrt-3-libreng-sakay-june-12-2026-a6888-20260608